The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Playoffs Thread

[DataKing]

I'd rather they were showing the OT here, but there's been some really good action so far at the Pond. Good physical play and a lot of up-and-down the ice movement as well.

[Pyser]

how do the canes always do this to the devils?

damn man. that HURT.

[TheNorm]

Tough break for Chris Mason; he played well but I'm sure that OT goal is one he'll want to forget. Vancouver moves on to Round 2.

I should go to bed but of course the SJ/Anaheim game is tight, too. I love playoff hockey but damn it leads to a lot of sleepy days at work.

[bbor]

ugh....horrid OT goal.

[Wolfpack]

how do the canes always do this to the devils?

damn man. that HURT.

I'm still somewhat in shock that it happened. I'd already psyched myself up for the crushing loss that was inevitably coming once the Devils tied it up. When it went in, I didn't even jump for joy or anything. I just sort of slipped off my couch onto the floor in disbelief. I half expected it to be waved off somehow because of how the third period had gone up to that point. I had to rewatch it in slow motion on the DVR before I was sure it counted.

Besides, you never see a buzzer-beater goal in hockey. Never. Yet, somehow, Carolina's done it twice to New Jersey in four years. Staal's game-tyer in 2006 took place with ages on the clock compared to this one. I'm still in wonder at how it got in before the horn. I just know that it was a hellacious slapshot by Seidenberg that even had a chance because the puck didn't reach him until about a second was left on the clock.

[Chief Rum]

Good win for San Jose tonight. Better for them to really have to fight for it tonight, instead of getting a go away win, as they need that sort of experience to build on.

The Ducks showed a lot continually coming back, but in the end, their propensity for penalties bit them in the ass. You can't keep giving San Jose PP opps and expect to win. Perry was the guilty party this time, but there are a lot of stupid penalty takers on the Ducks (Perry among them).

Anaheim is still in a pretty good spot here, but the pressure is amped up quite a bit now for Thursday's game. Pressure doesn't concern me with the Ducks, because they were basically under pressure to win just about every game starting around March 1, but that doesn't mean this game on Thursday isn't critical. My guess is, whoever takes Thursday, takes this series.

[samifan24]

That Carolina-New Jersey game finish was ridiculous. I loved Brodeur's little tantrum at the end. I guess he felt Jokinen had interfered with him? The shot was truly a buzzer beater.

[Fidatelo]

Why was Crosby's goal in last nights game allowed? His body obstructs Biron from getting across his crease to try to corral the bouncing puck. Is it ok for a player to get in the way of the goalie in the crease so long as he was there first?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Umberger gets destroyed

It was interesting to compare the play-by-play from that clip, the Blue Jackets' feed, to the Detroit feed. The Blue Jackets guy says no less than three times that Stuart "blindsided" Umberger and there is even mention as to whether there should be a penalty.

The Detroit guys go on about what clean hit it was and how Umberger saw him all the way, but just didn't really do anything about it.

Granted, I know I am not totally objective, but I really do think that Umberger saw him. He looks up, appears to see Stuart, puts his head down for a second, and then looks up again. He seems to watch Stuart come right at him but, for whatever reason, doesn't appear to do anything about it.

There was no "blindside". It was as clean as hit as they come.



Commodore with a shift he'd like to forget.

I love how quiet it gets.

I've watched this shift about a dozen times. It's just classic. Commodore flying over the boards and then cross checking and standing over the fallen Franzen like some kind of bad ass, all the while the play continues with Zetterberg left out in front to score.

[Draft Dodger]

It was interesting to compare the play-by-play from that clip, the Blue Jackets' feed, to the Detroit feed. The Blue Jackets guy says no less than three times that Stuart "blindsided" Umberger and there is even mention as to whether there should be a penalty.

The Detroit guys go on about what clean hit it was and how Umberger saw him all the way, but just didn't really do anything about it.

Granted, I know I am not totally objective, but I really do think that Umberger saw him. He looks up, appears to see Stuart, puts his head down for a second, and then looks up again. He seems to watch Stuart come right at him but, for whatever reason, doesn't appear to do anything about it.

There was no "blindside". It was as clean as hit as they come.



The Columbus announcers are some of the biggest homers in the business. They are completely ridiculous. Detroit's guys can be pretty bad too, but Jeff Rimer and Danny Gare can be almost laughable. Clean hit for sure.

That was an odd move by Umberger. He did look up, but could he have just misjudged how much space he had?

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Columbus announcers are some of the biggest homers in the business. They are completely ridiculous. Detroit's guys can be pretty bad too, but Jeff Rimer and Danny Gare can be almost laughable. Clean hit for sure.

That was an odd move by Umberger. He did look up, but could he have just misjudged how much space he had?

I think he must have misjudged how much space he had or how fast Stuart was coming. He seemed to be aware of what was going on, he just didn't really take any measures to do anything about it.

[TurnerONU22]

The Columbus announcers are some of the biggest homers in the business. They are completely ridiculous. Detroit's guys can be pretty bad too, but Jeff Rimer and Danny Gare can be almost laughable. Clean hit for sure.

As a Jackets fan, I TOTALLY agree with this. My wife and I try to count how many times that Rimer says "no call, play allowed to continue" after a clean hit, or something other that has no business being called a penalty.

[TurnerONU22]

Does anyone remember in NHL2K3 (or one of those games), how they mispronounced Huselius' last name?

Because that's how he's been this series.

Umberger and Voracek have been the only two good forwards. Nash has been completely shut down, but that's because he has NO help on his line and the Wings can afford to double team him.

The biggest difference between the two teams this series hasn't been in the net, or up front, its been the back end. Columbus' D-men can't move a puck or put a shot on net, so all Detroit's strategy in the CBJ zone has been to just focus on the forwards, because they know that there is no threat of offence from those guys.

That early goal just took a lot of energy out of the building (I was in the upper bowl).

Best moment was from this morning, when I saw a picture of a couple of Jackets fans roughing up a DET fan for throwing an octapus on the ice. At least someone is willing to be physical for Columbus.

[TurnerONU22]

To be honest, I don't think that Detroit has much to worry about. The Jackets played their last 2 games like they were just happy to be in the playoffs, although they missed Huselius in both games, which really makes the Nash line click.

We're just playing sloppy with the puck, which is something that Detroit will take advantage of. Also, Mason is not on the top of his game right now, as he just looks a little worn out (which is understandable).

Although, I could be wrong, but my prediction is Wings in 5, with the Jackets getting a win in their barn.

From the NHL Season thread.

Two things I was wrong about:

1) Huselius has NOT made the Nash line click.

2) Wings in 5. I still have a chance at this, but I think it will be 4.

[Draft Dodger]

As a Jackets fan, I TOTALLY agree with this. My wife and I try to count how many times that Rimer says "no call, play allowed to continue" after a clean hit, or something other that has no business being called a penalty.

when the Avs play the Jackets, I try to pick the Columbus feed just because Rimer and Gare are guaranteed to get me fired up.

I feel bad for Columbus - I really thought they could do some damage.

[Honolulu_Blue]

when the Avs play the Jackets, I try to pick the Columbus feed just because Rimer and Gare are guaranteed to get me fired up.

I feel bad for Columbus - I really thought they could do some damage.

Back when I lived over seas I pretty much only had NHL.com Radio to listen to. They save the games, so I would get up early in the morning and try to listen to the game before work. The biggest drawback was that in order to fit it in time-wise work I had to fast forward between periods and you could see how long the broadcast was and, thus, pretty easily determine if the game went into OT.

Anyway, during the 2002 Western Conference finals, I made sure to take time out of the day and listen to the Avs radio feed whenever they lost to the Wings. The Avs radio guys were (are?) incredible yahoos. Just horrible. I loved listening to them pout and suffer.

[DeToxRox]

Yeah as far as Umberger goes, it was obvious he looked up, and I couldn't tell you why he put his head back down. I think you're right though HB, he felt he had more time then he did, and I also don't think he thought it'd be a hip check, because the way he went towards Stuart looked like he was trying to squirt through the hit and get an odd man rush up ice. Stuart hitting him with the hip was the worst possible thing that could've happened on that play for RJ.

[DaddyTorgo]

after 2 periods tonight

Bruins 4
Canadians 1

courtesy of 2 goals in 45 seconds for the Bruins and then a beautiful indirect pass as they were coming off a penalty-kill that Kessel skated onto and slotted home

[DeToxRox]

Okay that Avery call on the icing seemed like a reputation call. Yeah he went in kind of reckless but I don't know about that one.

[DeToxRox]

Hmm on the replay they showed coming back from break it looks more like a penalty and he probably did mean to do it but if that is someone else doing that it's probably not called.

[Pyser]

why did the cap wait so long to pull the goalie? 2 man advantage couldve been....advantageous.

[Fidatelo]

Avery should spend game 5 in the press box.

[DeToxRox]

Avery should spend game 5 in the press box.

Yep. That penalty at the end was retarded. I'd sit him down in DC where he'll be egged on even worse by the crowd.

[Logan]

Yep. That penalty at the end was retarded. I'd sit him down in DC where he'll be egged on even worse by the crowd.

100%.

Hank is unreal.

[DeToxRox]

100%.

Hank is unreal.

Love Henrik. Guy is nails under pressure.

It's funny but as many points as Ovechkin has this series, he has played terribly if you ask me. Just doing way too much and it's costing them.

[samifan24]

Bruins sweep Montreal! Goodbye Habs!

[Fidatelo]

Ovie has played well, I think, but King Henrik is in his head. That post on Avery's first penalty was pretty darn close to being his second 'off the bar and in' of the game though.

Bottom line is that Henrik is stealing this series, as Washington has been the better team every period of the series that I've seen (I've missed a couple periods here and there).

[Logan]

Love Henrik. Guy is nails under pressure.

It's funny but as many points as Ovechkin has this series, he has played terribly if you ask me. Just doing way too much and it's costing them.

I really don't think he made a single pass in the first two games.

To me, he's been their 4th best offensive player behind Semin, Backstrom and Laich.

[Logan]

Ovie has played well, I think, but King Henrik is in his head. That post on Avery's first penalty was pretty darn close to being his second 'off the bar and in' of the game though.

Bottom line is that Henrik is stealing this series, as Washington has been the better team every period of the series that I've seen (I've missed a couple periods here and there).

I haven't missed any periods, so let me clear that up: they've been the better team every period of the series.

[Logan]

Stolen from the hfboards:

http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/multimedia/photo_gallery/0804/nhl.players.resembling.entertainers/images/alex-ovechkin-richard-kiel.jpg

"And you can count on ME waiting for YOU in the parking lot!"

[bhlloy]

Ouch... dirty play by Komisarek on Lucic. Very lucky Looch got away with just a cut on that one. Should be 5 games at least I would have thought, who knows with the wacky Campbell and Bettman show.

Anyone think Carey Price might not be back with the team next season? Habs fans are brutal.

[samifan24]

Ouch... dirty play by Komisarek on Lucic. Very lucky Looch got away with just a cut on that one. Should be 5 games at least I would have thought, who knows with the wacky Campbell and Bettman show.

Anyone think Carey Price might not be back with the team next season? Habs fans are brutal.

Very stupid play by Komisarek. The game was already out of hand and then Komisarek let his emotions get the best of him. I really doubt he'll be back in Montreal next season. As much as I love it when Lucic agitates opponents, I think Komisarek became almost obsessed with his rivalry with Lucic at times this season. That's never good for your team.

I also couldn't believe that Habs fans would turn on Price so quickly. In case you missed it, Habs fans gave a mock cheer when Price turned aside a 70 footer late in the game and Price responded by raising his arms in acknowledgment. Halak was good at times for them but Price is the future. Do Habs fans really want to antagonize such a young goalie? I think this will be a tumultuous offseason for Montreal and I think they really need to rebuild their roster and their long term priorities.

[Dr. Sak]

The Habs organization is partly at fault for what is wrong with Price. You cannot push a kid, especially a goalie, into a tough situation and expect him to flourish right away.

[Fidatelo]

I was floored at the time, and am still confused, as to why the Habs traded Huet at the deadline last year for a 4th round pick. It just made no sense on a lot of levels, and they are paying for it now. I almost hope Price gets traded because he can still be a good goalie in a less toxic environment.

[Dr. Sak]

Why was Crosby's goal in last nights game allowed? His body obstructs Biron from getting across his crease to try to corral the bouncing puck. Is it ok for a player to get in the way of the goalie in the crease so long as he was there first?

I thought SR would pipe in by now but since he didn't I'll give my 2 cents...

It was a bang-bang play...and honestly it could've went either way. You can't overturn a goal based on goalie-interference on replay so once the goal was called on the ice I knew it was going to stand.

It appeared as if the puck hit Crosby before he made contact with Biron...it all happened so fast and the ref really didn't have a chance to really digest it. I think it was the correct call.

[Fidatelo]

I guess I'm just curious how the rule is supposed to be enforced. I know that you can be in the crease before the puck so long as you don't interfere with the goalie. And I'm guessing if the puck goes in first you can't just push the goalie around when you get in there. But if the puck goes in first, are you then allowed to essentially establish a position within the crease, such that if the goalie attempts to move into that area you are allowed to block his path? Because that's basically what Crosby did, and if that's allowed, then I'm fine with the goal, but if the goalie is essentially supposed to have free range of movement within his crease than I think it was a bad goal.

Regardless, it was nothing nearly so insane as the goal Vancouver scored on the Jets back in an OT playoff game in the 90's where the player just pushed Essensa into the net with the puck, winning them the game (and I think the series; can't recall).

[Suburban Rhythm]

I thought SR would pipe in by now but since he didn't I'll give my 2 cents...

It was a bang-bang play...and honestly it could've went either way. You can't overturn a goal based on goalie-interference on replay so once the goal was called on the ice I knew it was going to stand.

It appeared as if the puck hit Crosby before he made contact with Biron...it all happened so fast and the ref really didn't have a chance to really digest it. I think it was the correct call.

Agree with your assesment that he made contact with the puck (shaft of his stick, then his body) before he makes contact with Biron.

That is a free puck, so Crosby has as much right to it, even in the crease, as Biron. If Crosby never plays the puck, bowls over Biron, and that forces the puck in, I'd say no goal is the correct call.

I'll also say, there have been worse instances of the goaltender being interferred with, in both directions, that have never gotten a second look. Guys never playing the puck who are in the crease should be getting whistled and aren't.

Which makes it all the more frustrating-- Gill (on Briere) and Knuble (on Orpik) "crosschecks" are getting called in OT, but not guys planting themselves in the crease.

I actually couldn't believe they made the tripping call on Richards, when Fleury blew a tire. Still not convinced Richards even clipped him.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Sykora scratched, being replaced with Miro Satan on the 2nd line with Malkin and Fedotenko.

[Dr. Sak]

Dola

Sykora scratched, being replaced with Miro Satan on the 2nd line with Malkin and Fedotenko.

No Letang either.

[gstelmack]

Yay, Canes / Devils is on!

Boo, SD only AGAIN! C'mon NHL, fix this! C'mon, FoxSports, you've got the money, fix this!

[sterlingice]

Man, Washington is just looking lifeless

SI

[DeToxRox]

Osgood is definetly not 100%. He hurt what looked to be a groin last game, and he keeps wincing after going to the left side. It's 5-5 in the second. Unreal.

I'd pull him for Conklin and just let him rest.

[Dr. Sak]

How about the local feed of the Pens/Flyers has been out for over a period and Versus is blacked out. So I am stuck listening on the radio.

[sterlingice]

Osgood is definetly not 100%. He hurt what looked to be a groin last game, and he keeps wincing after going to the left side. It's 5-5 in the second. Unreal.

I'd pull him for Conklin and just let him rest.

5-5. Wow

SI

[sterlingice]

Man, Washington is just looking lifeless

SI

Now I feel like a dope. I just realized this was a replay of last night's game on the local Comcast sports station. I knew the final score but hadn't watched the game at all. D'oh

SI

[sterlingice]

Absolutely gorgeous goal by the Flyers just now, tho

SI

[Dr. Sak]

That's what they said on the radio.

[sterlingice]

Also, Versus, could we stop with the male enhancement pill commercials. Next week: "cure all tonic!"

SI

[bbor]

Wait a minute.....Freddie Modin is still playing????????????????

[Suburban Rhythm]

How about the local feed of the Pens/Flyers has been out for over a period and Versus is blacked out. So I am stuck listening on the radio.

You upgraded from Steigy to Lange!

Biron Fleury'd the Pens. Pens had the better chances early, shots 15-5 after one.

Still feel good, still only need one more win...but would have been nice to close out tonight.

[Dr. Sak]

I listened to the Flyers feed online. And even when FSN came back up, I just listened to the radio so I didn't see any of the 2nd or 3rd period.

Yeah the Pens controlled the first period but it seemed like the Flyers changed it a bit after that....still have to win 2 games which will be tough.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I didn't have a radio in the room. I switched to the Sports Mix channel on Direct, which I could see (barely) and hear the VS feed.

Malkin's disallowed goal must have been pretty close behind Asham's. I flipped to ESPN News, they were doing an update on the game. They had the score up as 1-0, but showed both Asham and Malkin with goals. Then took Malkin's off the board as the were talking about the game.

[Dr. Sak]

I just saw it now and it looked like the right call...I don't think he got a stick on it before it went in.

I bet people were calling Comcast PISSED! During the Steelers playoff run last year the cable went out during the 2nd half of the San Diego game and people were flipping out at the bar.

[Suburban Rhythm]

My first guess was the arena finally crumbled. They had that once where the building lost power.

When they came back to start the 3rd, Steigy said lighting hit homebase for FSN in Atlanta, knocking out power there.

I got 4 calls asking if it was out for me on Direct as well, so I saved 4 people from calling Comcast.

[Wolfpack]

Ugh. 1-0, New Jersey. Ward did all he could, but Brodeur did all he could, too. Brodeur's usually going to win that sort of competition and he did so tonight, especially after Carolina pretty much laid siege to the New Jersey goal over the last 30-odd minutes.

Obviously, gotta win Game Six at home now and then find a way to win in New Jersey. I'm not optimistic if Brodeur keeps this up.

[kingfc22]

Sharks laid an egg tonight. No passion at all.

[Chief Rum]

Not really sure how to define how the Sharks are tonight, although, agreed, it's not good. They don't seem to have the same drive they had Tuesday night.

I think they had a lot of fight in them early on, but when Ryan got the first goal, I think it might have gotten in the Sharks' heads a little bit.

[yacovfb]

Sharks laid an egg tonight. No passion at all.

Nope. Ducks are playing at a completely different intensity level. Seems like Dan Boyle and occasionally Clowe are the only Sharks able to match it. I'd love to be wrong but if they somehow escape San Jose with a win, it's over in Anaheim in game 6. Then we'll get to see who gets held accountable for this. Thornton? Nabby? Doug Wilson?

[Pyser]

nice win by the devils. ward was as good as brodeur tonight. cant wait for sunday. this has been a ridiculously tight series

[bhlloy]

It's almost like the Sharks aren't working to get good shots. Hiller makes 30+ saves again, but was really very comfortable the whole game. It's interesting because I heard a lot about McLellan making sure they took better shots in game 3 and it worked, but they really got away from it again tonight.

And again, Thornton and Marleau go absolutely nowhere near the net all night. Although Nabakov hasn't been good, I think you have to look at those 2first if the Sharks do lose the series.

[Chief Rum]

Do Thornton and Marleau spend a lot of time in front of the net during the regular season? Or is playoff hockey just a bad fit for their style of play? Despite their size, I can't recall ever being impressed with them gutting out scores so much has having this immense talent to score pretty goals.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I just saw it now and it looked like the right call...I don't think he got a stick on it before it went in.



Watching this morning on NHL Network, I agree.

The only angle I saw on FSN was from the side boards, and couldn't see through the sticks and legs.

NHLN showed from behind the net, perfectly clear. If he just turns his foot, he's good. But, he wouldn't have gotten enough pace on it to beat Biron that way.

The killer player was mid way through the first, Kennedy intercepted a puck going around the boards, behind the net, walked out and tried to stuff it in. Biron was looking for him to come out the other direction. One more step and TK has an open net.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Do Thornton and Marleau spend a lot of time in front of the net during the regular season? Or is playoff hockey just a bad fit for their style of play? Despite their size, I can't recall ever being impressed with them gutting out scores so much has having this immense talent to score pretty goals.


This has been the book on Thornton for awhile I think. Big body, but plays on the perimeter mostly.

[bbor]

Looks good on the Leafs.

Wilson coached SJ to near the top of the league during the regular season in past years....then bailed in the play-offs and it was laid at his doorstep.Obviously it was'nt his doing...it was the players.

Burke put together the team (Ducks) that's taking SJ out of the play-offs.

Looks like a win-win for the Leafs.

[sterlingice]

nice win by the devils. ward was as good as brodeur tonight. cant wait for sunday. this has been a ridiculously tight series

That was an extremely fun game to watch- at least the part that we got to see after Versus switched over from the Pens/Flyers game

SI

[gstelmack]

Ugh. 1-0, New Jersey. Ward did all he could, but Brodeur did all he could, too. Brodeur's usually going to win that sort of competition and he did so tonight, especially after Carolina pretty much laid siege to the New Jersey goal over the last 30-odd minutes.

Obviously, gotta win Game Six at home now and then find a way to win in New Jersey. I'm not optimistic if Brodeur keeps this up.

Quite the performance by Brodeur, especially flipping over and snatching that puck away right before it dribbled across the line. One game was decided with 0.2 seconds left, another one by about 0.2 inches.

And quite the series. Aside from the game 1 stinker by Carolina (sigh), you have 2 overtime games and a pair of 1-goal games, each of which was very close to going to OT. Very evenly matched and hard fought. Maybe they'll finally get one on Versus and show it in HD.

Nah.

[Pyser]

the only thing the devils-canes series is missing is nastiness. the teams just dont hate each other the way id like to see in the playoffs. but other than that, its been great defensive hockey.

[TurnerONU22]

Well, the Jackets got swept last night, but it was the most entertaining games that I've ever been to.

Now to the final call:

I hate to say this, but the refs made the right call at the end of the game. By the letter of the law, there were too many men on the ice.

BUT

By the letter of the law, the Jackets would have had 2 more power plays in the 3rd period. Vermette gets boarded right behind the net, 5 feet by a ref, but it doesn't get called. Dorsett basically gets tackled at one point, but no call.

Here's my problem with the final call: If they're going to call the last penalty by the book, why don't they call the rest like that as well?

Just a terrible way to end the best game of the series.

[DeToxRox]

Well, the Jackets got swept last night, but it was the most entertaining games that I've ever been to.

Now to the final call:

I hate to say this, but the refs made the right call at the end of the game. By the letter of the law, there were too many men on the ice.

BUT

By the letter of the law, the Jackets would have had 2 more power plays in the 3rd period. Vermette gets boarded right behind the net, 5 feet by a ref, but it doesn't get called. Dorsett basically gets tackled at one point, but no call.

Here's my problem with the final call: If they're going to call the last penalty by the book, why don't they call the rest like that as well?

Just a terrible way to end the best game of the series.


Total agreeance here. A blast to watch. This is the kind of game I expected to see all series which is why I was so nervous.

CBJ will be a force in the years to come though.

[gstelmack]

the only thing the devils-canes series is missing is nastiness. the teams just dont hate each other the way id like to see in the playoffs. but other than that, its been great defensive hockey.

I dunno, the brewing goaltender interference feud is building up to some nice moments. If Brodeur keeps leaving his net and getting in the way of the skaters, something is going to blow soon...

[samifan24]

Does anyone know where I can find a schedule for the 2nd round and later rounds? Like, has the NHL said "the Conference Final games" will definitely be held on "these dates" or anything like that?

[Logan]

A bad goal allowed by Henrik. Now I've seen everything.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Heh, I don't remember seeing this last year. It's a Gillette Fusion razor on-site ad that ran in Boston, was meant to be a one timer but got such a great reaction they ran it throughout the playoffs last year (not clear on whether they brought it back again this season). It just won the OBIE award for best execution of an alternative/street/transit media campaign.

Me? I just got a kick out of it.

http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman2/uploads/1/fusion.jpg

[Logan]

Ovechkin just scored a ridiculous goal.

Unfortunately, looks like my ticket for Game 6 will be used.

[Pyser]

holy shit that was SICK

[Pumpy Tudors]

Every time I think Ovechkin's got nothing else in his bag of tricks, he pulls something else out of the bag of tricks. Amazing.

[Wolfpack]

the only thing the devils-canes series is missing is nastiness. the teams just dont hate each other the way id like to see in the playoffs. but other than that, its been great defensive hockey.

I was just thinking about this myself. I think not being division rivals probably dampens it some, but I think another part of it is generally the teams have a fair amount of respect for one another, starting with the goaltending and the generally similar styles of play. No one's being brutally nasty, but you still have to earn everything you get. Yes, there's been some feisty moments, but that's to be expected. This isn't going to turn into anything like Colorado-Detroit from the 1990s, though.

Frankly, for Carolina fans, while they'll say they don't like New Jersey a lot, they don't really hate them, either, especially not like they hate Buffalo (though that's more due to the clashes with Sabres fans during the 2006 playoffs than anything else).

Me personally, if NJ bounces Carolina and Washington also goes out, that pretty much leaves NJ as the team I'd want to win the East as I generally root for teams from non-traditional or "mocked" markets (NJ being more in the latter than the former due to the constant jabbing they take for attendance) when Carolina is out of the running for the Cup (tangentially, this also means I hope San Jose or Anaheim wins the West).

[Maple Leafs]

If I told you that an NHL prospect had been arrested for killing a referee and burying his body in the woods, would you be able to guess which team?

Of course! (http://torontosportsmedia.com/sports-and-toronto/nhl-draft-pick-allegedly-murders/)

[sterlingice]

If I told you that an NHL prospect had been arrested for killing a referee and burying his body in the woods, would you be able to guess which team?

Of course! (http://torontosportsmedia.com/sports-and-toronto/nhl-draft-pick-allegedly-murders/)

Yay! I was right :D

SI

[Pyser]

this pennsylvania series is awesome to watch. stupid draft making me split my time.

[DeToxRox]

Cannot believe Carcillo fought Talbot. So stupid. You do not fight, up 3, at home and give Pittsburgh some life. So fucking stupid.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Cannot believe Carcillo fought Talbot. So stupid. You do not fight, up 3, at home and give Pittsburgh some life. So fucking stupid.

Wonder how Max managed to goad him into that...was Roberts somewhere in the building, and sent Talbot a message via telekinesis?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Max "shhhhhhhhh!" of the crowd about 35 seconds in- CLASSIC!
You can do that when you are a superstar.

YouTube - Carcillo Fights Talbot in HD - Flyers vs Penguins Game 6 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAkIC8DDaAk)

[Maple Leafs]

I have no idea what you guys are talking about. Fighting never has any impact on the outcome of a game. Every media star in the world has told me that.

[gstelmack]

They aren't saying it has no impact, just that the impact it has is a negative one.

[Fidatelo]

ok, I know the puck went in before Kozlov hit Lundqvist, but isn't it still illegal to plow over the goalie? Should the goalie have to choose between saving the puck or bracing for a collision? wtf?

[Logan]

That was a very depressing game to be at.

[Dr. Sak]

That was a very depressing game to be at.

I can about equal you as I was at the Flyers game yesterday.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I can about equal you as I was at the Flyers game yesterday.

Does bitterness extend to the Philly press too?
Not that it matters much, but how is Crosby not one of the 3 stars?

[Suburban Rhythm]

http://i42.tinypic.com/v4vw1z.gif

[sterlingice]

Only 5 shots on goal and we're already midway through the 2nd period almost. Is Jersey just saving up their energy for game 7?

SI

[Pumpy Tudors]

I need my lovemuffin Zach Parise to take this game over.

[Dr. Sak]

Does bitterness extend to the Philly press too?
Not that it matters much, but how is Crosby not one of the 3 stars?

Who cares...

[Chief Rum]

Who cares...

Sak's gotta point. Why on Earth would Flyers fans, in the wake of being knocked out of the playoffs in such an awful comeback fashion, even care about who gets the three stars? Weird question, SR.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Don't get me wrong, the choice is meaningless. Just curious how the best player on the ice isn't selected. Why pick at all? Or, since it's voted on by the home team's press, have them select 3 players from the home team, cause that will make everyone happy.

[Maple Leafs]

You know, I really think Carcillo is getting a raw deal in all of this. People want to blame him for turning the game around. But what did he do? He fought, he knocked the crap out of the other guy, and the crowd was going insane. Where's the problem here?

People say that Talbot fired up his team by even being willing to go. Well, wouldn't he have accomplished the same by challenging Carcillo and being turned down? And he wouldn't have had his face tenderized in the process.

Sometimes a fight turns a whole game around. And sometimes, it just happens to occur right before something else does.

[Logan]

BTW, Donald Brashear's cheap shot elbow on Blair Betts from today. Amazingly, 18,200 fans plus every player saw it but not one ref did.

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hGwrm3sGU8E&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hGwrm3sGU8E&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

Washington scored to go ahead 2-1 a bit later during what should have been a Ranger power play, and then went ahead 3-1 on their own PP goal where we of course did not have our #1 penalty killer in the game.

[Maple Leafs]

Um...

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[Suburban Rhythm]

Um...


<OBJECT height=344 width=425>


<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/idzeJU5_PQY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></OBJECT></P>
:eek: :confused: :(

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

So, will I actually get to see the Sharks game tonight on Versus? Haven't been able to watch one yet thanks to the ridiculous TV contract. I guess I need to move to San Jose to remedy the problem.

[Dr. Sak]

You know, I really think Carcillo is getting a raw deal in all of this. People want to blame him for turning the game around. But what did he do? He fought, he knocked the crap out of the other guy, and the crowd was going insane. Where's the problem here?

People say that Talbot fired up his team by even being willing to go. Well, wouldn't he have accomplished the same by challenging Carcillo and being turned down? And he wouldn't have had his face tenderized in the process.

Sometimes a fight turns a whole game around. And sometimes, it just happens to occur right before something else does.

I agree 100%. It isn't his fault his team thought they had the game won and laid down. This game was the Flyers season in a nut shell. Play good for 30 minutes, and then play terrible for the other 30. Plus they pass the puck worse than a Pee Wee hockey team.


I agree with Detox that it will be Pittsburgh in 6

The Flyers are so inconsistent and rarely play 60 minutes strong. That is why they will lose. They are a much better team than last year but do not play with the intensity that last year's team did. The Pens are good, but beatable. But their pressing system will cause the Flyers to turn the puck over which will lead to chances.

My prediction of the series (in the other thread) was completely accurate. They didn't show up for Game 1...Games 2 through 6 were all very close, but lapses on the ice and in their head led to their downfall. As much as people want to blame Biron for this...he was not the problem.

[Honolulu_Blue]

So, will I actually get to see the Sharks game tonight on Versus? Haven't been able to watch one yet thanks to the ridiculous TV contract. I guess I need to move to San Jose to remedy the problem.

Huh? I've seen pretty much every game of that series on Versus so far. Is Versus doing a regional thing?

Tonight, they will join that game in progress after the Calgary/Chicago game.

[Dr. Sak]

Actually it has been the opposite for the Sharks/Ducks series...the president of Versus was on NHL Live last week and said that series will be shown everywhere in the country. It won't be blacked out even in San Jose or Anaheim for the local broadcast.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Before the playoffs started, someone handed me a schedule with the TV networks listed. SJ/ANA was one of the series that had every game on Versus. The only other series to get all 7 scheduled for Versus was VAN/STL. Besides those two, PIT/PHI was the only other series to have all 7 scheduled for national US coverage, although two of those games were on NBC.

So anyway, I'm not sure why some parts of the US would not get all of the SJ/ANA games on Versus, especially areas without an NHL team.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Before the playoffs started, someone handed me a schedule with the TV networks listed. SJ/ANA was one of the series that had every game on Versus. The only other series to get all 7 scheduled for Versus was VAN/STL. Besides those two, PIT/PHI was the only other series to have all 7 scheduled for national US coverage, although two of those games were on NBC.

So anyway, I'm not sure why some parts of the US would not get all of the SJ/ANA games on Versus, especially areas without an NHL team.

It's likely my screw-up. When you have kids and the games start late here in KC, you're not always thinking straight when you're looking for the game on the schedule.

I'll definitely catch the game tonight. Should be fun to watch. Hopefully the Sharks can pull out a win.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Six games for Brashear. One for the pre-game shove on Orr and five for the hit on Betts.

[Logan]

Perfectly fair to trade our #1 PKer for a thug who plays 5 minutes a game.

[Fidatelo]

Perfectly fair to trade our #1 PKer for a thug who plays 5 minutes a game.

It doesn't really matter if Betts is there or not when 75% of the team is just skating around aimlessly for 45 seconds at a time.

[Lathum]

Am I the only one who thinks it was really poor planning on the NHL's part to have the schedule so 2 NY area teams are playing a game 7 on the same night?

[Logan]

Not when one of them is the Devils :).

[Suburban Rhythm]

I agree 100%. It isn't his fault his team thought they had the game won and laid down. This game was the Flyers season in a nut shell. Play good for 30 minutes, and then play terrible for the other 30. Plus they pass the puck worse than a Pee Wee hockey team.



My prediction of the series (in the other thread) was completely accurate. They didn't show up for Game 1...Games 2 through 6 were all very close, but lapses on the ice and in their head led to their downfall. As much as people want to blame Biron for this...he was not the problem.

Agree here, plenty more candidates than Biron.

Reading Timonen has a concussion. Was this something prior to the series? Kunitz hit?

[Dr. Sak]

I have a feeling a few guys were hurt. I don't think Jones ever fully healed from hip surgery...I think Carter had a hurt wrist and I bet Kuntiz's hit gave Timmo a concussion.

[kingfc22]

%^$^%$@ Hold a bleepin lead for once!

Ugh!

[bhlloy]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Again, Sharks get 36 shots on Hiller and maybe had 2 real "should have scored" moments. At the end of the day, Ducks are a playoff team and the Sharks just aren't. Other than game 5, pretty much all of their "good" players except Boyle laid an egg the entire series, and even Boyle took some really bad penalties tonight.

Good series, Sharks fans. Ducks were incredibly lucky in the first 2 games and this easily could have been 4-1 after game 5 but we did play 2 great games at home. Bring on the Wings...

[kingfc22]

Back to the drawing board...AGAIN!:banghead::banghead::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::rant::rant::rant::rant::rant::rant::rant::rant:

[Karlifornia]

:(

The better team is going home.

[sterlingice]

Yay. Hawks move on :)

SI

[Dr. Sak]

HONK HONK HONK

GO CAPS GO

HONK HONK HONK

GO CAPS GO

[sterlingice]

Tonight's going to be a fun night of hockey :D

SI

[Dr. Sak]

Yeah...I'm glad the Blackhawks won...they are a fun team to watch.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Wings-Ducks should be quite a series. The Ducks are really the last team I wanted to see the Wings face, but so be it. Their top line is playing as well as any line in hockey right now. They are incredibly solid along the blueline and Hiller, their only potential question mark going into the playoffs, was perhaps the best goalie in any first round series. The Ducks have plenty of experience and should provide a very difficult challenge. The Wings have more depth at forward, the defensive corps are pretty comparable, and the Ducks have the edge in goaltending.

Hopefully Corey Perry will be rightly suspended for at least 4 games for his elbow to the head last night. It was every bit as vicious as Brashear's hit on Betts, the only difference was that Cheechoo (if it was Cheechoo) was lucky enough not to get injured. If he had gone down and was knocked out of the game, there would be no question that a multi-game suspension would be in Perry's future. Since the NHL takes a weird approach to these things, given Cheechoo came away pretty much unscathed means that Perry will likely not be suspended or, if so, it may only be for one game.

Still, if the NHL wants to be serious about getting rid of shots to the head, a message should be sent. 4-5 games would be appropriate based on the Brashear precedent in these playoffs. Let us not forget that Perry is a recidvist and was suspended for 4 games earlier this season for an elbow to the head.

Where's Collin Campbell's number or e-mail address? I would like to submit a brief on this for his consideration.

[Fidatelo]

Win or lose, I want to see the Rangers play with some passion tonight.

[Maple Leafs]

I have a weird feeling about tonight's Caps/Rangers game. I don't know anybody who's picking the Rangers, anywhere. They're already dead and buried. Caps fans are promising the blow the roof off. Everyone's already trying to figure out if we should root for Carolina and an Ovie/Crosby matchup in round two, or be patient and wait for round three.

I know one thing about sports, it's that when everyone agrees on something then everyone is wrong. I'm just getting that "Henrik Lundqvist makes 43 saves in a shocking shutout win" vibe...

[Dr. Sak]

This is the 2nd year in a row that the Caps have come back from a 3 games to 1 deficit in round one...and the second year in a row game 7 will be at home. Hopefully this year they reverse the outcome.

[Fidatelo]

If the Rangers can get a lead, they've got a chance. If they fall behind at any point, I think they're done. They just don't have the offense to catch up without inevitably making a mistake and giving up another goal.

[DeToxRox]

Rangers can win. They have to take the game to Washington for once. They've played so defensivley the last two games worrying about not making mistakes that they've made them in droves. The Caps D is still very weak, and if you let some of the Rangers speedy forwards pressure them they're going to make mistakes. But as long as the Rangers keep waiting back for Ovechkin to do something they have no chance.

That said, I say Rangers 3-1 tonight.

[DeToxRox]

The Wings-Ducks should be quite a series. The Ducks are really the last team I wanted to see the Wings face, but so be it. Their top line is playing as well as any line in hockey right now. They are incredibly solid along the blueline and Hiller, their only potential question mark going into the playoffs, was perhaps the best goalie in any first round series. The Ducks have plenty of experience and should provide a very difficult challenge. The Wings have more depth at forward, the defensive corps are pretty comparable, and the Ducks have the edge in goaltending.

Hopefully Corey Perry will be rightly suspended for at least 4 games for his elbow to the head last night. It was every bit as vicious as Brashear's hit on Betts, the only difference was that Cheechoo (if it was Cheechoo) was lucky enough not to get injured. If he had gone down and was knocked out of the game, there would be no question that a multi-game suspension would be in Perry's future. Since the NHL takes a weird approach to these things, given Cheechoo came away pretty much unscathed means that Perry will
likely not be suspended or, if so, it may only be for one game.

Still, if the NHL wants to be serious about getting rid of shots to the head, a message should be sent. 4-5 games would be appropriate based on the Brashear precedent in these playoffs. Let us not forget that Perry is a recidvist and was suspended for 4 games earlier this season for an elbow to the head.

Where's Collin Campbell's number or e-mail address? I would like to submit a brief on this for his consideration.

I think it'll come down to Ozzy's health. If he is 100%, Wings in 6, and if not, Ducks in 6 or 7. I think Anaheim is going to be beat up after a physical series, but the difference is, and Ken Hitchcock said this the other day, Detroit is big. People forget how big Hossa, Franzen, Holmstrom, etc are. They can bang, but they don't have those spectacular hits. However it's huge chore getting them out of the front of the net.

They just have to keep wearing down Anaheim's D, and this series I expect Dats to explode.

But if Ozzy isn't healthy and can't make the routine side to side saves then we're in trouble.

[samifan24]

As a Bruins fan, I want the Rangers to knock off Washington. If that doesn't happen, I'm hoping Carolina can upset the Devils although I doubt that will happen. I do not want to face Pittsburgh.

[Maple Leafs]

If the game goes to overtime and Sean Avery scores the winner, I will lie down in traffic.

[DeToxRox]

If the game goes to overtime and Sean Avery scores the winner, I will lie down in traffic.

Let me know where, I gotta get a car wash anyway.

[bbor]

If the game goes to overtime and Sean Avery scores the winner, I will lie down in traffic.

Can i have your wife?

:D

[DeToxRox]

Can i have your wife?

:D

Count me in. I'm all about too many men.

[Draft Dodger]

As a Bruins fan, I want the Rangers to knock off Washington. If that doesn't happen, I'm hoping Carolina can upset the Devils although I doubt that will happen. I do not want to face Pittsburgh.

as a hockey fan, I would LOVE to see a Boston - Pittsburgh series.

[Honolulu_Blue]

as a hockey fan, I would LOVE to see a Boston - Pittsburgh series.

As a hockey fan, I think an ideal scenario would be a 2nd round Washington-Pittsburgh match up and then a Boston-Pitt conference finals.

That would be some great hockey.

[Logan]

My buddy said the only chance we have to win is if someone unexpected steps up and buries a couple goals. He suggested Zherdev. I thought it was a good fit, but unfortunately he hasn't even been able to cross the blue line all series. What a waste that kid is.

No shot if the Caps score first. Avery needs to be on the PP from the start camped out in front of the net. God help Ovechkin/Semin if this turns into a blowout -- I think that's when the Betts payback takes place.

[Honolulu_Blue]

My buddy said the only chance we have to win is if someone unexpected steps up and buries a couple goals. He suggested Zherdev. I thought it was a good fit, but unfortunately he hasn't even been able to cross the blue line all series. What a waste that kid is.

No shot if the Caps score first. Avery needs to be on the PP from the start camped out in front of the net. God help Ovechkin/Semin if this turns into a blowout -- I think that's when the Betts payback takes place.

Zherdev had an abysmal game on Sunday. His give away that led to the first goal was attrocious. He was afraid of getting hit so he just gave the puck right up.

He had that glorious chance on the backhand that he totally flubbed as well. He had a wide open net and instead of driving to the net and burrying it, he sort of angled away and flipped a weak shot that totally missed.

[Fidatelo]

The Rangers' only big-name guy who has showed up this series is Lundqvist. Gomez, Antropov, Zherdev, Redden, Drury (I suppose he's hurting), and Naslund have all been terrible.

I really think a guy like Nigel Dawes would have made a big difference in a series like this too. I don't think Morris has been bad this series (although I haven't noticed him being particularly good either), but Kalinin + Dawes (and Prucha) would have been better.

[Logan]

The Rangers' only big-name guy who has showed up this series is Lundqvist. Gomez, Antropov, Zherdev, Redden, Drury (I suppose he's hurting), and Naslund have all been terrible.

I really think a guy like Nigel Dawes would have made a big difference in a series like this too. I don't think Morris has been bad this series (although I haven't noticed him being particularly good either), but Kalinin + Dawes (and Prucha) would have been better.

I'll agree on everyone but Antropov. At least he's been skating hard and has been physical. But besides him, give me Callahan and Dubinsky and they can get rid of the rest. Sad to say with how much these guys are getting paid.

I'm sure Dawes wouldn't have hurt, but he still wouldn't have been enough. It still comes down to the talent disparity, as this series really would have been over after 4 games if Lundqvist wasn't playing at a level that was even above where he's been in the past. But that doesn't matter...we're talking about one game now and any team can be beat in one game, and like others have said, at least we have the goalie advantage.

[Maple Leafs]

Can i have your wife?
Count me in. I'm all about too many men.
I just wanted to comment on how it's become a common thing for guys in FOFC to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about.

[miked]

I would love to see Avery pummeled. Devils seem to find ways to lose these kind of games, and they looked awful in game 6. That being said, let's go Brodeur!

[DeToxRox]

Good start for the Rangers.

[Lathum]

Gotta make that save Marty

[sterlingice]

We only are getting the Rangers-Capitols game on the local Comcast sports station and there's some silly MMA on Versus :(

SI

[Lathum]

Terrible call to give the 'Canes a 5-3 here. How do you give a team a 5-3 on such a boarderline call in this spot?

[Lathum]

great kill. Hopefully it gives the DEvils some momentum

[Dr. Sak]

Terrible call to give the 'Canes a 5-3 here. How do you give a team a 5-3 on such a boarderline call in this spot?

Welcome to playoff officiating.

[Lathum]

Welcome to playoff officiating.

yeah, been watching and playing hockey my whole life.

Still annoying.

[Dr. Sak]

Anymore when players feel the stick in their stomach or any hint on a trip they are falling. I really think there needs to be tougher enforcement on embellishment. Don't give them both penalties...only give the embellisher the penalty.

[DeToxRox]

Anymore when players feel the stick in their stomach or any hint on a trip they are falling. I really think there needs to be tougher enforcement on embellishment. Don't give them both penalties...only give the embellisher the penalty.

Anything that draws blood should be a penalty. No blood, no pims. Let's stop coddling people.

[Dr. Sak]

WOOOO!!! GO CAPS!!

[Dr. Sak]

HONK HONK HONK

GO CAPS GO

HONK HONK HONK

GO CAPS GO

[Dr. Sak]

Nice save Henrik.

[sterlingice]

And this is going to be a fun and frantic last 5 minutes as we're talking about playing for playoff lives

SI

[sterlingice]

And the Caps win!

SI

[miked]

Awesome...even if the Devils lose, watching the Rangers melt down with 4 minutes left and seeing Avery limp off the ice made my night.

[Dr. Sak]

Yeah my team blew a 3-0 lead in one game...the Rags blew a 3-1 series lead...makes me feel a bit better.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Great effort by the Rangers tonight. They gave it their all, but the Caps were just the better team.

[miked]

Due to contractual obligations, we cannot show you the Devils-Canes game.

Whiskey
Tango
Foxtrot

We are in Atlanta, a closer market for CAR than WAS or NYR. They've shown like 1 NJ-CAR game on versus. I hate this crap.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Due to contractual obligations, we cannot show you the Devils-Canes game.

Whiskey
Tango
Foxtrot

We are in Atlanta, a closer market for CAR than WAS or NYR. They've shown like 1 NJ-CAR game on versus. I hate this crap.

I don't feel like we're getting too much less hockey coverage with Versus than back in the ESPN days. It's been a while though.

[Dr. Sak]

Playoffs is another reason why Centre Ice is great..I get all the games plus I get baseball for free till hockey playoffs is over. So it's win win!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Playoffs is another reason why Centre Ice is great..I get all the games plus I get baseball for free till hockey playoffs is over. So it's win win!

Yeah, this is really where the Centre Ice package earns its keep. For the most part between the games on Versus, Wings games and getting CBC, I get enough hockey on the local channels during the regular season.

[Fidatelo]

Well, I've officially cursed another team into blowing a 3-1 series lead. Good grief.

Great game tonight though, was a blast to watch, until the five minute mark of the third. Then it just got depressing. I can't believe they couldn't even get possession in the last 2 minutes to pull Henrik.

As for Henrik, he made some phenomenal saves tonight. If Sather can ever put together a decent first line, they could go far.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Great goal by Carolina to tie it up at 3-3.

[Lathum]

fuck me

[sterlingice]

We aren't getting it here in Richmond either. They have the Caps post game press conference :(

SI

[Lathum]

unreal.

first and last goal is all on Marty.

[DeToxRox]

STAALLL

[sterlingice]

What's the sports streaming website?

SI

[Lathum]

so fucking sick

[sterlingice]

Oh man. Maybe the best game of the year so far and no tv on it :(

SI

[Peregrine]

Go Canes! What a last minute!

[TheNorm]

I got over the whole Sergei Fedorov leaving the Red Wings a long time ago, so it was nice to see FedEx still delivering at 39--not too many players that can fire a laser that beats Lundqvist glove side.

[sterlingice]

Pens can't be happy right now

SI

[Lathum]

God I wanna puke.

Been a Devils fan since the day they moved to NJ and other then Mattau this is the sickest they have ever made me feel.

[Lathum]

It's been a rough year to be a Mets-Devils-Giants fan.

[Pumpy Tudors]

The Devils collectively turned into a pumpkin with 80 seconds to go. Sometimes, I feel like the Devils are the worst team in the NHL when the clock gets under 2:00 in the third period. What a disaster.

[DeToxRox]

So Pens/Caps and Bruins/Canes. Oh man I couldn't be happier with all these second round matchups.

[Honolulu_Blue]

So Pens/Caps and Bruins/Canes. Oh man I couldn't be happier with all these second round matchups.

+1

[yacovfb]

As bad as it was to see my Sharks play as poorly as they did, I'd rather it be that than what just happened to Jersey. Brutal, especially at home.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I feel for the Devils fans in that building tonight. In a minute and a half, you go from joy to the nerves of an upcoming overtime to ... that. The Hurricanes never gave up, and they earned this, but damn it, the Devils looked like they just forgot how to play hockey in those final 80 seconds. That was a serious punch in the gut.

[miked]

Fuck. Why must the Devils always sit back with 5+ minutes left and let teams take target practice.

[Logan]

WOOOO!!! GO CAPS!!

You're dead to me!


Seriously, any of you impartial observers want to convince me that the refs treated this series fairly? I really do normally think I'm not one to bring up that argument but this entire series I just felt like we weren't given a fair shot. Prior to Federov's goal, I counted 3 instances of either blatant elbows or interferences that weren't called, and they literally all came in a minute span. I was at a bar so it was hard to tell the players involved, but the worst elbow I saw came on the near side right along the boards, and sticks went flying. Then there was the clear knee-on-knee on Avery that left him laying on the ice and unable to get off when we were trying to get moving to get a rush going. Immediately after the game-winner, a Cap played the puck and them seemed to deliver a blow to the head of a Ranger. Again, nothing.

I've never had a worse taste in my mouth after a series. And what's even worse is that, like I've said numerous times, we didn't deserve to be in this at all if not for Henrik's performance at the start. My anger isn't too crazy though...this team just didn't have enough talent to make a move.

[Pumpy Tudors]

So, uh, Logan? Sak? What do you guys wanna do now? Wanna go beat up Suburban Rhythm or something?

[DeToxRox]

Okay second round predictions ..

Carolina over Boston in 7
Pittsburgh over Washington in 6

Detroit over Anaheim in 6
Chicago over Vancouver in 7

[DeToxRox]

So, uh, Logan? Sak? What do you guys wanna do now? Wanna go beat up Suburban Rhythm or something?

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p296/2manadvantage/angermanagement.jpg

I know someone (Looks like he had some work done) who needs something to do.

[Pumpy Tudors]

help

[Logan]

So, uh, Logan? Sak? What do you guys wanna do now? Wanna go beat up Suburban Rhythm or something?

You guys lost?!

[bhlloy]

Logan - I counted at least 5 calls (mostly interference) that the Rangers got jobbed on in the last period. Of course 2 were on Avery and we all know he's never going to get those calls, but still with the one that was called on Girardi, I think you have every reason to be aggrieved about the refereeing in that period. The Caps weren't even subtle about hitting the Rangers at the blue line without the puck anywhere in sight.

Neutral observer, not trying to pick a fight. Just the way I saw it.

Oh and Perry's elbow was nowhere near as bad as Brashear's. There wasn't the vicious uppercut motion, it was just a badly timed attempt at a hit. I could live with a game, anything more would be really harsh. Now I feel like a whore because I'm always the one suggesting that the NHL shouldn't treat players differently because of who they are - but I really don't think the Perry elbow was that bad.

[Logan]

Fair enough, thanks.

[Pyser]

how do the canes always do this to the devils?

damn man. that HURT.

if the devils never play the canes in the playoffs again ill be happy. i mean, fuck me.

i am sick and tired of the post lockout devils. i dont give a rats fuck about division titles. we are not built to win in the playoffs, and worse, we arent even built to hold a lead anymore.

i have a lot of bad things to say, but i wont. just an awful display at the end. game 7, and no heart. we learned a lot about some players on our team that should never wear the sweater again.

[Pyser]

langenbrunner confirmed he had surgery to repair his torn miniscus in his knee 8 days ago. manly, but not enough.

[Galaxy]

I hate that our local VS didn't carry the end of the Devils-Canes game.

[samifan24]

Okay second round predictions ..

Carolina over Boston in 7

:eek:

[samifan24]

I'm excited about the matchup with the Canes but I know all eyes will be on Ovechkin vs. Crosby, as they should be.

[bbor]

I just wanted to comment on how it's become a common thing for guys in FOFC to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about.

Me Gary Leaman...you Al Iafrate

[Pyser]

ok, here we go. im gonna say it.

the devils are a better team without brodeur.

they were this year, anyway, and i think the team expects too much from him when he's in there. he hasnt won us a playoff series in a long time. and this has nothing to do with the 2 soft goals he let in tonight.

[Chief Rum]

The Wings-Ducks should be quite a series. The Ducks are really the last team I wanted to see the Wings face, but so be it. Their top line is playing as well as any line in hockey right now. They are incredibly solid along the blueline and Hiller, their only potential question mark going into the playoffs, was perhaps the best goalie in any first round series. The Ducks have plenty of experience and should provide a very difficult challenge. The Wings have more depth at forward, the defensive corps are pretty comparable, and the Ducks have the edge in goaltending.

Hopefully Corey Perry will be rightly suspended for at least 4 games for his elbow to the head last night. It was every bit as vicious as Brashear's hit on Betts, the only difference was that Cheechoo (if it was Cheechoo) was lucky enough not to get injured. If he had gone down and was knocked out of the game, there would be no question that a multi-game suspension would be in Perry's future. Since the NHL takes a weird approach to these things, given Cheechoo came away pretty much unscathed means that Perry will likely not be suspended or, if so, it may only be for one game.

Still, if the NHL wants to be serious about getting rid of shots to the head, a message should be sent. 4-5 games would be appropriate based on the Brashear precedent in these playoffs. Let us not forget that Perry is a recidvist and was suspended for 4 games earlier this season for an elbow to the head.

Where's Collin Campbell's number or e-mail address? I would like to submit a brief on this for his consideration.

I'll admit it was tough for me to see some good replays of the hit because I was working at the time, and couldn't stop to watch, but what I have seen meshes with what bhlloy said, that the Perry elbow wasn't innocent or nothing, but not really anything more than a usual elbow hit, nothing vicious to it or anything. I could see a game, but anything more than that would be way more than called for. Besides, wouldn't you rather beat the Ducks at full strength?

As for the matchup with the Wings, I think it's going to be a tough series for the Ducks, because they haven't had much success against the Wings in recent matchups. Now, they did beat the Wings in '07 and in '03, so not like it's unheard of for the Ducks to beat the Wings in the playoffs, but I just don't like the matchup. What makes the Ducks really dangerous is their physical play, their playoff tested and experienced and talented blueline, a tremendous top line and their goaltending. The only thing the Wings can't match is the goaltending, as noted, and even then, Osgood has a history of playing very well against the Ducks. And on top of that, the Ducks will play four at Joe Louis, of course, never easy to do. Not that same playing at The Tank, which, let's face it, is a rather aptly named building at the moment.

I will disagree one thing DeTox said, and that's about the Ducks perhaps being beat up. Uh-uh. Not the Ducks. Burke may not be here anymore, but this is still largely the team he built. Physical play doesn't wear these guys out, it just gets them more motivated. In fact, I think the Sharks trying to get chippy with them is only going to make the Ducks a little edgier and ready to scrap going into the Wings series.

[Pumpy Tudors]

ok, here we go. im gonna say it.

the devils are a better team without brodeur.

they were this year, anyway, and i think the team expects too much from him when he's in there. he hasnt won us a playoff series in a long time. and this has nothing to do with the 2 soft goals he let in tonight.
That's harsh... yet I agree with you.

[Lathum]

ok, here we go. im gonna say it.

the devils are a better team without brodeur.

they were this year, anyway, and i think the team expects too much from him when he's in there. he hasnt won us a playoff series in a long time. and this has nothing to do with the 2 soft goals he let in tonight.

That's harsh... yet I agree with you.

I see what you guys are saying but don't agree with you.

The Devils need guys that clear the front of the net. The 2 losses were because guys were able to be untouched in front of the net. In the days of Stevens-Daneyko and even Craig Wolanin-Bruce Driver there is no way guys camp out like that

[Dr. Sak]

You're dead to me!


Hey man it's nothing personal...I can't root for the Rangers (only against the Pens) and I know you don't like the Flyers. Plus I was hoping for a Pens/Caps series.

[miked]

You're dead to me!


Seriously, any of you impartial observers want to convince me that the refs treated this series fairly? I really do normally think I'm not one to bring up that argument but this entire series I just felt like we weren't given a fair shot. Prior to Federov's goal, I counted 3 instances of either blatant elbows or interferences that weren't called, and they literally all came in a minute span. I was at a bar so it was hard to tell the players involved, but the worst elbow I saw came on the near side right along the boards, and sticks went flying. Then there was the clear knee-on-knee on Avery that left him laying on the ice and unable to get off when we were trying to get moving to get a rush going. Immediately after the game-winner, a Cap played the puck and them seemed to deliver a blow to the head of a Ranger. Again, nothing.

I've never had a worse taste in my mouth after a series. And what's even worse is that, like I've said numerous times, we didn't deserve to be in this at all if not for Henrik's performance at the start. My anger isn't too crazy though...this team just didn't have enough talent to make a move.

Avery is a pussy. Take off your blinders, he ducked and moved to try and get away from the hit and that's why his leg got caught. He lurched down and away trying to avoid the hit and that's why the contact occurred to the knee. Can't say it couldn't have happened to a better guy. The irony of hearing a Rangers fan complaining about cheap shots is clutch.

[miked]

ok, here we go. im gonna say it.

the devils are a better team without brodeur.

they were this year, anyway, and i think the team expects too much from him when he's in there. he hasnt won us a playoff series in a long time. and this has nothing to do with the 2 soft goals he let in tonight.

The problem is they get a lead, then think they can just let the other team do whatever and Marty will save them. Take a look at the Caps-Rangers game. the Caps scored with 4+ minutes left. I think I maybe saw the Rangers get one or two good looks in those 4 minutes because the Caps played aggressive and forechecked. Every season this happens in the playoffs. The Devils get a lead and with 10 minutes to go start playing defense. No aggressive offense, just sit back and keep trying to clear while you expect Marty to save the 20 shots he'll face in the final 5 minutes. Drives me crazy to watch these playoff games where they have the lead.

[gstelmack]

Well, the Devils were getting a fair amount of pressure in the Carolina zone for the third period. The big change in the third period was Carolina stopped handing the puck over to New Jersey; they played like garbage the first two, and handed at least two of those goals over to the Devils. I have no idea what they were thinking dropping the puck off on that shorthanded attempt that left them so exposed, for example. I was shocked it was only 3-2 heading into the third, and then Carolina finally woke up.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Besides, wouldn't you rather beat the Ducks at full strength?

To be honest, I don't care either way. Did you feel hollow inside or any less joy after the Ducks beat the Wings in '07 when the Wings were down Schneider and Kronwall? I didn't think so.

I didn't feel any less happy about the Wings beating Nashville last year after Radulov injured Arnott or when Colorado was missing most of its top six forwards or when Detroit beat Columbus in Game 4 with Jan Heijda out of the lineup.

Injuries are a part of the grind that is the NHL playoffs and, if you are going to play on the edge, like guys like Perry and Pronger do, the threat of suspension is another part.

Given the lack of attention that it's been given, I reckon there wont be another word about it. So be it.

[Dr. Sak]

I just want to comment a bit more of what Logan was talking about with the officials. I didn't watch the Rangers game close enough to really notice anything, but watching hockey this year I've noticed that the refs have been very loose with interference. They will call any stick violation but allowed players to interfere a lot more.

I am seeing a lot more players getting held up on the blue line and when pucks are thrown around the boards, the receiver is getting hit way before the puck even gets there...but if you put a stick on a guy's chest for even a half a second it is called.

[Logan]

To be honest, I'd be fine if they didn't call many interference penalties, especially in a Game 7. But when you're gonna call Girardi for interference a minute into the 3rd period of such a game, because he hip checked a guy a half a second after he got rid of the puck (I won't tell you who the guy was, but his name may or may not rhyme with Shmashmechkin), you need to start calling them.

[Fidatelo]

The most blatant non-call was when Green basically tackled Avery as he tried to beat him to the inside in the neutral zone. Despite my "Avery gets what he deserves" stance, I think that has to be called. Let guys punch him in the face or cock or hit him late or whatever, I don't care, but you can't let something that blatant go or its just a joke.

[Dr. Sak]

I am really looking forward to this Caps/Pens series. I am guessing the over/under on Pens fans complaining (ironically) that Ovechkin gets special treatment at 2 games.

[Peregrine]

I am really looking forward to this Caps/Pens series. I am guessing the over/under on Pens fans complaining (ironically) that Ovechkin gets special treatment at 2 games.

I was talking to a Caps fan this morning who had already started complaining about all the special treatment that Crosby was going to get.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I am really looking forward to this Caps/Pens series. I am guessing the over/under on Pens fans complaining (ironically) that Ovechkin gets special treatment at 2 games.

It's funny how underappreciated Malkin is right now.

I expect the crap from ESPN, but NHLN is doing the same.
"Crosby.....Ovechkin......Crosby......Ovechkin....Sid the Kid....Alexander the Great.....

By the way, the guy who was just about a wire-to-wire scoring leader is also in this series.

Crosby.....Ovechkin......Crosby......Ovechkin....Sid the Kid....Alexander the Great.....

[DataKing]

So does this mean NBC is going to run two "spotlight cams" or whatever they're calling it?

Not that I ever use that feature...just wondering.

[Suburban Rhythm]

So, uh, Logan? Sak? What do you guys wanna do now? Wanna go beat up Suburban Rhythm or something?

:wagfingers:

Okay second round predictions ..

Carolina over Boston in 7
Pittsburgh over Washington in 6

Detroit over Anaheim in 6
Chicago over Vancouver in 7

Boston over Carolina, 6
Pittsburgh over Washington, 6

Detroit over Anaheim, 7
Vancouver over Chicago, 6

[Suburban Rhythm]

Confidence pool standings thru round 1

1 Detox 450
2 SR 442
3 bbor 439
4 Chief Rum 428
5 bhlloy 425

[Suburban Rhythm]

So does this mean NBC is going to run two "spotlight cams" or whatever they're calling it?

Not that I ever use that feature...just wondering.

It will be entertaining watching Pierre's head spin if the lead keeps changing hands.

[Fidatelo]

Boston over Carolina in 5
Pittsburgh over Washington in 6

Vancouver over Chicago in 7
Detroit over Anaheim in 5

[Travis]

Boston in 6
Pittsburgh in 5
Chicago in 6
Detroit in 6

[Honolulu_Blue]

It's funny how underappreciated Malkin is right now.

I expect the crap from ESPN, but NHLN is doing the same.
"Crosby.....Ovechkin......Crosby......Ovechkin....Sid the Kid....Alexander the Great.....

By the way, the guy who was just about a wire-to-wire scoring leader is also in this series.

Crosby.....Ovechkin......Crosby......Ovechkin....Sid the Kid....Alexander the Great.....

Well, at least according to almost every NBC, Versus or NHL promo over the last year your team appeared to have won the Stanley Cup, so you've got that going for you.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Detroit over Anaheim in 6
Chicago over Vancouver in 7

Pittsburgh over Washington in 6
Boston over Carolina in 6

[samifan24]

Boston over Carolina in 6
Pittsburgh over Washington in 6
Vancouver over Chicago in 6
Detroit over Anaheim in 7

[Pyser]

carolina in 6
wash in 6
vancouver in 5
anaheim in 6

[sterlingice]

I'm ashamed to admit it but I'm watching the NBA tonight. The 3OT game is just so fun even tho I was planning on spending the game flipping back and forth between the Rockets and Blackhawks

SI

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm ashamed to admit it but I'm watching the NBA tonight. The 3OT game is just so fun even tho I was planning on spending the game flipping back and forth between the Rockets and Blackhawks

SI

That's funny, I decided to flip to the NBA tonight to see what this great series between Boston and Chicago is all about. As I noted in the NBA thread, the triple overtime is impressive and exciting, but the amount timeouts, fouls and constant stoppages of play make it very hard to watch and keep my interest. I just keep flipping back to the hockey game. At least there's some action there that lasts longer than 20 seconds at a time and doesn't involve 3 minutes of commercials between each one.

[TheNorm]

I'm ashamed to admit it but I'm watching the NBA tonight. The 3OT game is just so fun even tho I was planning on spending the game flipping back and forth between the Rockets and Blackhawks

SI

I gotta be honest, I didn't even know these guys were playing tonight, much less that it was in triple OT. Scoping it now...until the third period starts. ;)

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm ashamed to admit it but I'm watching the NBA tonight. The 3OT game is just so fun even tho I was planning on spending the game flipping back and forth between the Rockets and Blackhawks

SI

You might wanna consider watching the NHL tonight right now...

[sterlingice]

Just like a Red Wings fan to set me up for a bad fall. That's just mean :(

SI

[Honolulu_Blue]

Just like a Red Wings fan to set me up for a bad fall. That's just mean :(

SI

Oops.

[TheNorm]

Helluva finish in Canucks/Hawks Game 1. I think if the Canucks want to take this series they'll need to win one at the United Center...the Hawks are playing well and just won't quit. That play in the last minute was a huge screw up though...

[DeToxRox]

No Rafalski game 1 tonight. Chelios is gonna dress and play with Lebda and Ericsson will play with Lidstrom. That'll be interesting.

[Honolulu_Blue]

No Rafalski game 1 tonight. Chelios is gonna dress and play with Lebda and Ericsson will play with Lidstrom. That'll be interesting.

Interesting, but not in a good way.

[Chief Rum]

Interesting, but not in a good way.

Huh. Didn't know he was hurt. Lower body or upper body?

[Dr. Sak]

It's just a way for Chelios to get his name on the cup.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Huh. Didn't know he was hurt. Lower body or upper body?

Upper.

[samifan24]

Let's go Bruins!

[Sublime 2]

Let's go Bruins!

GO GO BLACK and GOLD!

[DeToxRox]

Mike Brown, an ex-Wolverine who I do like, absolutely plastered Hudler with a pretty blatant interference, but Hudler smacked his face on the ice and had a nice gash on his face. Brown got 5 minutes and a game misconduct, and Detroit tied it up but the Ducks PK was very good for the duration and held Detroit to 4 shots.

Needless to say a tone was set early.

[Maple Leafs]

... with a pretty blatant interference...
Really? I don't have a dog in this fight but that hit seemed within the range of time they normally give.

All three HNIC guys called it clean.

[DeToxRox]

Really? I don't have a dog in this fight but that hit seemed within the range of time they normally give.

All three HNIC guys called it clean.

Didn't mean interference. That was the call. He had his stick up high on the hit. With no blood its just 2, but Hudler was gushing.

[DeToxRox]

I'll take a trade off of our #5 D for their #2 F any day of the week. I love Ericsson. Kid's a load.

[Maple Leafs]

Didn't mean interference. That was the call. He had his stick up high on the hit. With no blood its just 2, but Hudler was gushing.
I don't the stick made any contact. Other than maybe the timing, it looked like a perfect shoulder hit. The blood was from Hudler hitting the ice, it looked like his visor cut him.

[DeToxRox]

I'll need to see it more but he lead with the stick on the angle Versus is showing and even if the stick doesn't make contact, if a guy bleeds a gusher and the guy hitting him came in with the stick up high more often then not it's called. He can make that hit without the stick up high and it's not a problem.

[Maple Leafs]

I'll need to see it more but he lead with the stick on the angle Versus is showing and even if the stick doesn't make contact, if a guy bleeds a gusher and the guy hitting him came in with the stick up high more often then not it's called. He can make that hit without the stick up high and it's not a problem.
I'm 90% sure the call on the ice was interference, though.

[Chief Rum]

The call was interference. I have to see a replay to get an opinion on it (I was driving home from work). I hope Hudler's okay. Brown's a big loss for our PK this game. Hope the NHL doesn't do something dumb and suspend him because of the blood (going off of what you guys are saying on how the hit went down, like I said, haven't seen myself yet).

[Chief Rum]

Can't keep giving the #1 PP team opportunities to score.

[DeToxRox]

The call was interference. I have to see a replay to get an opinion on it (I was driving home from work). I hope Hudler's okay. Brown's a big loss for our PK this game. Hope the NHL doesn't do something dumb and suspend him because of the blood (going off of what you guys are saying on how the hit went down, like I said, haven't seen myself yet).

Hudlers back on the ice. 10 stitches. I don't think he ought to be suspended. Like I said I think it was him leading with the stick but Versus is terrible and I forgot to turn to CBC until a few minutes ago. They keep showing one angle so who knows.

[Chief Rum]

Damn, post shot.

[Chief Rum]

Hudlers back on the ice. 10 stitches. I don't think he ought to be suspended. Like I said I think it was him leading with the stick but Versus is terrible and I forgot to turn to CBC until a few minutes ago. They keep showing one angle so who knows.

Yeah, heard on the radio about Hudler. Glad to see he's not too seriously hurt.

If there's one thing that will kill the Ducks, it's taking stupid penalties. Not like the refs need encouragement to give the Wings the benefit of the doubt, as it is, in Joe Louis. Toss in just plain stupid play at times by some Ducks, and you give great power play units tremendous opportunities to put you away.

[Chief Rum]

I hate that penalty. Another stupid one.

[Chief Rum]

Teemu!

[Chief Rum]

Wow, that was an important goal.

[Sublime 2]

Bruins showing very little signs of rust...up 3-1 going into the third.